HOTEL REVIEW: The Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

The Arden Hotel has an air of magnificence, from a butler whisking your luggage away inside seconds of arrival to luxurious beds clothed in luxurious linen. Add to that the award-winning restaurant and an enviable location mere metres from the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company), and also you’ve discovered your self staying in probably the greatest resorts in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Arden Hotel, a part of the Eden Hotel Collection, is a gorgeous combination of architectural types. It boasts a chic redbrick facade adjoined by a mock-Tudor-style constructing and fashionable extensions. Like many buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon, the property performed an element in Shakespeare’s life. It is believed that the bard wrote a few of his greatest writings within the property’s Elizabethan backyard, which friends can discover at leisure.

It gained’t come as a shock then that at present, The Arden Hotel types part of the Royal Shakespeare Company property (the lodge can’t do away with the playwright). But that doesn’t detract from its many different qualities.

For one, the primary entrance opens to a lightweight and ethereal reception, the place professionally dressed workers, adorned with broad smiles, are fast to take care of your each want.

The space has a number of sofas and armchairs, which really feel such as you’re sinking right into a cloud, and as you’re escorted to your room, framed images of misty bushes line the halls. It’s an interesting approach so as to add a component of nature to a lodge set throughout the coronary heart of an historic market city.

Who for

Anyone (teams, {couples}, households, or singles) visiting Stratford-upon-Avon will get pleasure from staying at The Arden Hotel. But its proximity to the RSC makes it the proper spot for theatre lovers.

Accommodation at The Arden Hotel

The Arden Hotel has 45 rooms and suites, named after completely different bushes. There are a number of room varieties, and also you’re given the selection of Classic (normal), Superior, Deluxe, Master and Feature Room. As you’d count on, these room varieties enhance in dimension, with the Deluxe Room (our room kind) providing a spacious and frivolously embellished chamber with an en-suite toilet that includes an expensive walk-in bathe and bathtub backed by floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

All rooms supply the identical amenities, resembling a tea and coffee-making station (the complementary biscuits are divine, and also you’ll discover recent milk within the fridge), a room protected, a phone, air-con, and an unlimited TV. Families can request rooms with interconnecting doorways; some Feature rooms embrace couch beds, whereas different spacious chambers accommodate roll-away beds for kids underneath 12. No matter your room, there’ll all the time be a unbelievable view, with most going through the RSC. Make certain to take pleasure in a balmy bathtub with the ESPA toiletries, then don the fluffy robes and slippers.

Food and drink at The Arden Hotel

The Arden Hotel is understood for its two AA Rosette Waterside Brasserie, and with views of the RSC, it’s the proper location for a pre-theatre dinner. Floor-to-ceiling glass doorways open to the Garden Bar terrace (ultimate for a summer time afternoon consuming cocktails). The muted purple tones indoors add a component of sophistication to your night, and the tables across the bar permit you to watch dexterous mixologists put together your drink. Meanwhile, the meals is ready with seasonal substances.

The delicacies itself is nice, though restricted for vegans. But for many who can eat something, you possibly can anticipate finding three sections on the menu – The Sea, The Grill, and The Land. Each has its choices: The Sea has a wide range of fish dishes, The Grill serves the likes of sirloin, ribeye, and extra, whereas The Land has mushroom risotto, venison, a caramelised onion tart, and extra.

My favorite merchandise on the menu? This may sound primary, however the chunky chips have been superb. For those that know me, chips all the time decide whether or not a restaurant is nice or not.

Breakfast can be served right here, with a alternative between a cooked or continental breakfast, which incorporates cereals, toast, yoghurts, granola, chilly meats, cheese, and extra.

Facilities

Adjacent to the reception is the Terrace Suite, a sprawling room with richly colored armchairs and coffee tables. The partitions are adorned with portraits of well-known actors performing within the RSC, and a bust of William Shakespeare sits on the bar, diligently watching over guests to his homeland. The room is open from morning to night, providing the proper area for consuming coffee or entertaining with a cocktail.

The Brooke Suite, additionally subsequent to the reception, is nice for conferences, weddings, or non-public dinner events of as much as 40 friends. Alternatively, indulge with afternoon tea within the Swan Room, which options sandwiches, scones, and truffles plated on Sarah Horne Botanicals china. Lastly, the free automobile park consists of electrical automobile charging factors.

How a lot

Room charges begin from round £139 per evening however differ based on the season.

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What’s close by?

As you’ll have already gathered, The Arden Hotel is ideally positioned to discover Stratford-upon-Avon. Almost all Shakespeare properties are inside a five-minute stroll. These embrace Shakespeare’s Birthplace and New Place, whereas Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a five-minute drive or half-hour stroll away.

Right in your doorstep is the River Avon, and subsequent door to the RSC is Avon Boating, an organization that takes you on a peaceable journey alongside the water. This presents glorious views of the again of the RSC.

Within the city, you’ll additionally discover Trinity Church, the place Shakespeare was baptised and buried. There’s an intriguing thriller round his grave – Shakespeare’s bones are lacking his head! Someone is alleged to have stolen it, hoping to make a fast fortune. There’s extra to see in Stratford, together with a Butterfly Farm, escape rooms, and high-end retailers.

VERDICT: The Arden Hotel is the proper spot for a hassle-free vacation. It’s received a unbelievable alternative of stylish bedrooms and is close to to Shakespeare-related sights – you couldn’t get nearer! The restaurant is okay eating at its greatest, which solely provides to the consolation of your keep.